Spinal canal stenosis is an orthopaedic condition caused by the narrowing of the spinal cord canal in the lumbar region of the spinal column, whereby pressure is placed on the spinal nerve root causing pain in associated areas. There are a number of effective treatments available to treat spinal canal stenosis, depending on the area(s) affected, and degree of pain and discomfort experienced.

Anatomical Overview

There are three sections to the spine: The neck or cervical area, the upper back or thoracic area and the lower back, or the lumbar spine. Spinal canal stenosis involves abnormalities in the lumbar spine most often caused by regional arthritis and normal aging.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of spinal canal stenosis include lower extremity numbness, pain and weakness, particularly lower back pain, sciatica pain radiating in buttocks and legs, leg weakness and sometimes foot drop and numbness and tingling in buttocks and legs.

Incidence

Though spinal canal stenosis may be congenital, it most often occurs after the age of 60. However, degenerative spinal changes are seen in 95 percent of men and women over 50 years of age.

Cause

The most common cause of spinal canal stenosis is arthritis. As natural aging occurs, there is subsequent disk degeneration and water content is lost from the spine, causing compression of the lumbar vertebrae, resulting in pain.

Treatment

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, treatment of spinal canal stenosis is based on results from a doctor's history and physical, including decreased pain when sitting or leaning forward, X-ray, MRI and/or CT scan. Treatment may include a combination of physical therapy, lumbar traction, NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen), cortisone injection, acupuncture or spinal surgery, including laminectomy or spinal fusion.

Source:

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons